What do you know about search engine optimization? Although SEO might sound complicated, it’s probably easier than you think. So, to give you a head start, learn how SEO works by reviewing the following guide for Easley business owners.
How SEO Works
Before I discuss how SEO works, do you know what it does?
Essentially, SEO improves the visibility of your website in search engines for relevant searches. It involves designing your site and its content to meet the needs of your target market.
You can connect with search engine users who can become your customers by using the following four tactics.
Keywords
Keywords form the foundation of most SEO strategies. These are words that you insert into your content, URLs, images, and links that match real-world Google searches.
Choosing the best keywords for your business and brand requires more than guesswork. First, you must define your target market and identify your ideal customer.
Next, you must research your audience to learn what queries they use while searching for your business’ products and services.
After creating a list of keywords that your customers use, narrow your list to four or five of the most relevant terms.
If you plan on advertising via Google’s AdWords PPC platform, your keyword selection will also involve competitiveness and cost per click.
Content
Creating content is your next task. Write a one-page article for each of your keywords. Each article should provide information that your target market will consider valuable.
Unique content will also help you with your SEO effort. Quality also matters. So, use proper formatting for your text and use good grammar.
Optimization
Other elements of your pages will help you get noticed in search results. For example, the keyword should appear in key areas:
- URL.
- Page title.
- Meta description.
- Header tags.
These “on page” elements help search engines and, consequently, search engine users, to know the subject and purpose of your pages.
Backlinks
In addition to promoting content that’s valuable, Google will also prioritize content that’s popular.
To decide what’s valuable and popular, Google will analyze the quantity and quality of the websites that link to your pages.
To improve your “off page” SEO, you’ll need to ask your customers, vendors, media organizations, and other stakeholders to link to your content from their websites.
Later, you can earn more backlinks by guest blogging and building relationships with industry influencers.
You’ll also have to monitor which sites link to your pages because they can adversely affect your SEO.
If a site that Google considers spammy, not authoritative, unpopular, or low-quality links to your site, that association will diminish your site’s standing with Google.
However, if a highly authoritative, popular site links to your content, that backlink can improve your SEO.
How SEO Works – Going Further
Now that you know how SEO works, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned.
Needless to say, you can develop your SEO skills through practice and study. However, if you don’t understand SEO or don’t have enough time to devote to it, help is available.
ABS Marketing is the leading SEO services agency in the Easley SC area.
Contact ABS Marketing today to get a custom quote for professional SEO.
Meanwhile, learn more about SEO for beginners at Inc.com.
